Did you know that when you shop at Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits is set aside to fund the good works of our charitable foundation? Whether you’re ordering nutritional supplements for yourself or premium food, treats and supplements for your companion animals, your repeat business funds our efforts to help save lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals across the U.S.

Our non-profit agency, The Dr. Jane Foundation, provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups from coast to coast. Many of these rescue groups are just getting their operations off the ground, and the obstacles they face often boil down to limited resources. If we can help dozens of these groups every year to save more lives and further establish their agencies as agents of positive change, we are thrilled to do so. Since 2007, our foundation has given 186 awards totaling more than $270,000!

And that brings us to today's news. We’re incredibly pleased to inform you that our Board of Directors has funded grant applications for the following ten rescue organizations.

1. TLC Humane Society

Based in the town of Dahlonega, GA, the TLC Humane Society is the only no-kill, non-profit shelter in town. They maintain both a physical shelter facility and a foster-care program. The shelter is nestled on six beautiful acres and aims to find adoptive homes for over 300 dogs and cats this year. Our award was allocated to help cover the costs of much-needed building repair, to ensure that their rescued dogs and cats have a safe environment while awaiting placement in their forever homes.

2. Animal Balance

This organization's primary focus is on implementing non-lethal overpopulation control on islands all over the world. Animal Balance provides basic veterinary care, including spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, parasite treatment and addresses other injuries/conditions as needed for both cats and dogs. Even though they don’t do adoptions, we recognize the importance of their hard work in keeping overpopulation at bay. Our award was allotted to help cover the costs of their next island spay-and-neuter mission on Kauai. This five-day operation requires loads of planning but organizers hope to perform surgeries at four different temporary clinics with the ultimate goal of spaying/neutering over 2,000 feral cats.

3. Yorkie Rescue of America

Founded in 2011 by Tiffini Cartozian, who turned her passion for Yorkshire Terriers into a mission for good, this breed-specific non-profit rescue has saved the lives of over 400 Yorkies. This organization only provides aid to Yorkies who require extensive medical care and/or intensive rehabilitation. At present, they have approximately 40 foster homes with over 70 volunteer caregivers nationwide. Our financial award has been allocated to help offset the costs of veterinary care and to help build awareness for their services across the country.

4. 3rd Coast Labrador Rescue

Established in 2015, 3rd Coast Labrador Rescue is a non-profit organization comprised of unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to rescuing, healing and rehoming Labradors and Labrador mixes in Michigan. The vast majority of their dogs come from animal control, nearby shelters or owner surrenders, so they must deal with a wide range of extreme health issues stemming from abuse, neglect or accidental injury. At present, they do not maintain a presence in a dedicated facility, but rather utilize their own private network of foster homes throughout the state of Michigan. Our financial award was specifically earmarked for to veterinary costs.

5. Douglas County Humane Society

Partnered with Douglas County Animal Shelter, the Douglas County Humane Society works to reduce the number of stray dogs and cats in their community through outreach, education and by providing veterinary care to animals in need. Since they were founded, their primary goal is to eliminate euthanasia at their local shelter, which they're on the cusp of achieving. Additionally, they provide assistance to local low-income families through their Pet Pantry, helping people keep and feed their pets during tough economic times. Our foundation award is allocated towards covering the costs of neuter and spay surgeries for numerous dogs and cats.

6. Fur Fun Rescue

Fur Fun Rescue’s goal is to lower the rate of canine deaths in a five-state territory that includes areas of Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. By coordinating with local and national transport coordinators, including Pilots N Paws, they transfer dogs from high-kill shelters to welcoming rescue groups. They specialize in difficult-to-place dogs, many of whom have urgent medical needs and seniors who have close to no hope of rescue. This year, they are on target to successfully adopt out over 300 dogs! Our financial award has been allocated to help offset the high costs of veterinary care incurred in rescuing sick and older dogs.

7. Golden Oldies Cat Rescue

Based in Monterey, California, Golden Oldies Cat Rescue is a resource and advocate for adult cats from Monterey County whose guardians can no longer care for them or who are at-risk in area shelters. Founded in 2016, this group places cats into foster homes while searching for their new forever families. Their motto is “Older Cats, New Beginnings.” Golden Oldies is working to build its foster program to expand its reach. In fact, our award to this organization will help them to reach this goal, while the rest of the funding will be allocated to finding forever homes.

8. Happy Trails Animal Rescue

After years of rescuing dogs in need from local area shelters, this central Florida rescue group underwent a change in their philosophy ... namely, to devote their energies towards resolving one of the most persistent failures of animal rescue: when adoptive pet parents return dogs due to problem behavior. Soon, they will open a brand new Community Resource Center for dog adopters to provide free training, educational and youth programs, free vaccine clinics, a pet food pantry, low-cost spay and neuter services, free grooming and other assistance. Our financial award has been allocated to fund additional training scholarships to dogs and families across Central Florida, including free professional training for dogs with behavioral problems stemming from their experiences in high-kill shelters.

9. One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR)

Headquartered in Sparta, NJ, OSCAR is a non-profit rescue organization that saves dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters where animals are still euthanized due to lack of space. At present, they have working relationships with four different state Animal Control Centers. They ensure that all the pets in their care receive the proper veterinary attention and vaccinations, and that all are spayed or neutered. Additionally, OSCAR helps the local community with strays, re-homing animals, intake of NJSPCA abuse cases and operate a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) program for feral cats. Our financial award has been allocated to help offset the cost of building repairs to keep their rescues safe and happy as they await adoption.

10. Paws & Prayers

Founded in 2001, the animal rescuers who formed Paws and Prayers sought to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home forgotten, neglected, or otherwise left-behind pets. They utilize a foster-based rescue system in which every saved pet receives loving care and attention from their dedicated volunteers until the perfect adoptive home can be identified. Their ever-growing base of volunteers and foster homes proudly saves over 1,000 companion animals each year! Our financial award has been allocated to help pay for spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats.

For everyone who actively support the vital work of our non-profit, we can’t thank you enough. Thanks to your personal donations and continued Life's Abundance patronage, we are helping animal rescue groups achieve their dreams of making a positive difference in the world, one animal at a time.

Did you know that when you shop from Life’s Abundance, a portion of the profits is set aside to fund the good words of our charitable foundation? It’s true! Whether you’re ordering the finest nutritional supplements for yourself or premium food, treats and supplements for your companion animals, your repeat business will help fund the efforts to save the lives of homeless, abused and neglected animals throughout our great nation.

Our non-profit agency, The Dr. Jane Foundation, provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups from coast to coast. Each charitable organization dedicates itself to the hard work of ending animal homelessness and helping pets survive and overcome the effects of chronic abuse and neglect. Many of these rescue groups are just getting their operations off the ground, and the financial support we provide can help them grow and enable them to save even more lives. Since 2007, our foundation has awarded in excess of $200,000 to over 150 deserving groups!

The needs are many and great. Even though reliance on euthanasia is but a fraction of it was 20 or 30 years ago, still far too many adoptable dogs and cats have their lives ended prematurely ... nearly three million pets every year. The vast majority of recently founded animal rescues are committed to a no-kill approach, something we very want to support. For these new groups, many of the obstacles they face boil down to limited resources. If we can help dozens of these groups every year to save more lives and further establish their agencies as agents of positive change, we are thrilled to do so.

To qualify for funding from our foundation, applicants must meet rigorous criteria. Most of our grant recipients utilize one or more strategies that have proven successful in curbing pet overpopulation and reducing the number of dogs and cats euthanized. These initiatives include low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, TNR (trap-neuter-return) management of feral cat communities, affordable adoption fees and community education efforts regarding the proper care of companion animals and the dangers of animal abuse and neglect. And all of this is done in addition to the day-to-day activities undertaken by these committed workers to place rescued animals in loving adoptive homes.

Just think, simply by buying from Life’s Abundance, you’ll be making the world a better place for dogs and cats in need. How often do you get to do something super positive without having to do anything different at all? As long as you keep purchasing our health-promoting products, you’ll be supporting rescue efforts across the US!

And now, we’re pleased to inform you that our Board of Directors held a quarterly meeting on July 17th. We approved funding several grant applications and sent checks the following worthy rescue organizations.

ACTion Programs for Animals

Located in Las Cruces, NM, this 100-volunteer-strong animal rescue is making a tremendous difference, not only in their local community, but even beyond state lines. Since May of 2012, they have rescued more than 3,500 dogs and cats. Nearly all of those were pulled from a nearby high-kill shelter. They have been able to make such great strides through the tireless work of their committed volunteer network of rescue and foster coordinators and families. They've even managed to hold weekend adoptions to locate loving homes for their rescues quickly and efficiently, all on a shoe-string budget. Soon, they plan to move into a newly purchased facility that will double their housing capacity, further bolstering their presence in the area as a welcome alternative to municipal shelters.

Animal Rescue of Southern Colorado

Based in Antonito, CO, this small yet committed animal welfare group focuses their efforts on two pressing needs: one, to house, care for and adopt out neglected and abandoned dogs; and two, to reduce pet overpopulation through spay-neuter services. Now barely into their second year of operation, this hardworking rescue managed to save 74 dogs in their first six months! Their goal - and fervent hope - is to never have to turn away a dog in need. Our financial grant has been earmarked to help cover the costs of constructing a modern kennel, which will allow them to rescue even more homeless animals. The new kennel will utilize solar panels to provide heat during harsh winters.

Bounce Animal Rescue

This foster-based rescue organization is located in beautiful Northern Colorado. Their goal is to grow to the size where they'll be able to rescue unwanted animals from high-kill shelters all over the country, place them with loving fosters and ultimately find them forever homes where they will be loved unconditionally. Even while they're out there saving lives, they're still focused on the well-being and adoption of unwanted animals. They're committed to building stronger community relationships, investing in technology and fundraising at the grassroots level. Bounce focuses on quality veterinary care, nutrition, spay/neuter programs, training and, of course, adoptions.

Boxer Aid and Rescue Coalition, Inc.

Headquartered in Tallahassee, Boxer Aid and Rescue Coalition is a not-for-profit rescue organization that operates a network of volunteers in north Florida and south Georgia. In their decade of operation, these devoted caretakers have helped to rescue and find forever homes for hundreds of Boxers. Each dog receives medical care, basic training (including a behavioral assessment), a caring foster environment and the promise that they’ll be ultimately be placed in homes where they will be treated "as a member of the family." Keep an eye on this group, as they plan to expand their organization to help provide care for senior and hospice dogs.

Eastern Plains Animal Welfare Alliance

Based in Burlington, CO, this small non-profit got its start in 2011 as a TNR program for feral cats. That has now grown to a much larger effort to rescue both cats and dogs, and to help curb overpopulation in their area. In just a few short years, they've achieved great success, altering more than 1,700 animals and vaccinating over 360 feral cats! A dedicated team of volunteers help with all aspects of the rescue effort. Amazingly, they're able to locate loving homes for their dogs and cats in record time. They're so insistent on matching up prospective pet parents with new intakes that the average wait-time for these creatures just two-to-four weeks before moving from terrible situations and into their forever home. Our grant will go towards the costs associated with low-cost spay/neuter community clinics or towards the purchase of a high quality shed to safely store their supplies, which has previously been done by their many volunteers.

MeeowzResQ

Located in Orange County, this non-profit, all-volunteer organization is dedicated to the rescue of cats and kittens in Southern California. Every year, they have been able to save more than 2,000 felines! Their kittens are hand-raised in foster homes, and many of those are bottle-fed babies. These kittens grow into sweet and people-oriented cats thanks to the amazing foster care by pet parents who are dedicated to raising and finding good homes for these abused, injured or abandoned cats. They routinely hold feline adoption events in numerous cities, and operate an extensive foster network spanning even more locations throughout Southern California. Our financial grant will help them to further their mission as their current needs dictate.

My Second Home Rescue

Based in Carr, CO, this no-kill organization is on a mission to rescue and re-home stray, neglected and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters. They believe that all living creatures should be treated with dignity and respect. They provide much needed care, medical attention, microchipping and socialization, all towards their ultimate goal of placing these pups in permanent adoptive homes where they will be loved like family. At present, they adopt out between 125-150 dogs per year, which is no small feat for a small rescue. They strive to increase public awareness about overpopulation problem and hope to see an end of euthanasia in their area. Our award was earmarked to help fund heartworm treatments for two very sick dogs.

New England Society for Abandoned Animals

Located in Centerville, MA, this non-profit was founded in 2009 to serve the Cape Cod community and surrounding areas. They are one of the few organizations committed to hands-on rescue work in the region, whether those cases stem from neglect, abuse or abandonment cases, to assistance with strays and their TNR program for feral cats. They take it as their mission to advocate, protect and rescue, using a proactive, humane approach. They are committed to increasing community awareness and creating progressive changes in animal welfare. As a “no-kill” organization, NESAA has a no-exceptions spay/neuter policy ... that notion is at the heart of every program implemented by the organization. They have established relationships with other organizations who serve individuals with disabilities, and these groups routinely help volunteers socialize animals at the shelter. Our financial award is earmarked for their multiple overpopulation prevention programs, from TNR to low-cost spay/neuter programs for the low-income community.

Res-Que, Ltd.

Based in Reno, NV, this non-profit group rescues dogs of all breeds. Res-Que was founded by Rhonda Shafer in 2009, after working as a distributor of dog food and supplies for local rescues. They work extensively with small, outlying shelters to rescue dogs and find them forever homes in both Northern Nevada and California. As their rescues recover from trauma and learn socialization skills, they live with one of the 15 caring families who make up their foster network. This group works very hard to find the less popular dogs from surrounding shelters where they will likely languish without interest from possible adopters, then place them in nurturing environments where each dog's true personality can finally shine. And their efforts are definitely paying off. In 2016, they were able to provide quality care and adopt out 147 dogs, and last year that number more than doubled to 303 dogs! Our financial grant will go towards covering the costs of veterinary medical care.

To all of these groups, we say "congratulations!" Your remarkable efforts to make the world a better place for companion animals are truly paying off.

Are you involved in an animal rescue, or know someone who is? It's not too late to apply for 2018 funding. Our Board will be considering another round of applications at our final quarterly meeting in mid-October, so try to have completed grant requests submitted by the end of September to ensure your group’s consideration.

For all of you who actively support the vital work of our non-profit, we can’t thank you enough. Thanks to your personal donations and continued Life's Abundance patronage, we are continuing to make great strides towards helping animal rescue groups achieve their goals. Together, we’re making a positive difference in the world, one animal at a time.

Did you know that every order placed at Life’s Abundance benefits our charitable foundation? It’s true! Whether you’re ordering the finest nutritional supplements for yourself or premium quality food for your pet kids, your business will help the plight of homeless animals across America.

This work is done through our non-profit wing, The Dr. Jane Foundation, which provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups who work to prevent animal homelessness, abuse and chronic neglect. Since 2007, we’ve awarded more than $190,000 in funding to well over 100 deserving groups!

In an era where so many shelters self-identify as “no kill”, it’s shocking to learn that euthanasia is still responsible for the deaths of nearly three million dogs and cats every year. Obviously, there’s a lot of work left to do, and why we wholeheartedly support the very agencies who are striving to bring these numbers down.

In every state, small and medium-sized rescues are working their hearts out to save as many homeless animals as possible. While large groups attract huge amounts of funding through awareness campaigns, these smaller non-profits rely heavily on the goodwill of their local communities. When a national organization like our foundation helps out, it helps draw attention to their vital, life-saving efforts.

To qualify for funding from our foundation, applicants must meet rigorous criteria. Most of our grant recipients utilize one or more programs that have proven successful in curbing pet overpopulation and reducing the number of pet kids euthanized. These initiatives include low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, TNR (trap-neuter-return) management of feral cat communities, affordable adoption fees, and community education efforts regarding the proper care of companion animals and the dangers of animal abuse and neglect. And all of this is done in addition to the day-to-day activities undertaken by these committed rescuers to place their animals in loving adoptive homes.

Time and time again, we’ve seen witnessed amazing transformations. Animals who have borne the brunt of cruelty or long-term neglect and yet were still able to rise above their hardships and make full recoveries. Every new group brings its own stories of triumph in the face of adversity. With so many grant recipients, it’s hard to calculate the exact number of animals helped by our non-profit … but it’s easily in the hundreds, if not thousands!

Just think, simply by shopping with Life’s Abundance, you’re making the world a better place. How often do you get to do something positive without having to do anything different at all? As long as you keep purchasing our health-promoting products, you’ll be supporting rescues!

And we’ve saved the best news for last. Our Board of Directors just held a quarterly meeting last month, approving grants to the following six incredibly worthy recipients …

- Forever Husky, Inc. of Crystal Lake, IL

- Page Animal Adoption Agency of Page, AZ

- Second Chance Cocker Rescue of Santa Barbara, CA

- Action Programs for Animals of Las Cruces, NM

- Fix Smith County of Elmwood, TN

- Central Ohio Sheltie Rescue, Inc. of Columbus, OH

Congratulations to all of these groups for their amazing efforts to make the world a better place for companion animals in need! And check back soon for updates on these very groups, and what they are able to accomplish with this round of funding.

Check back next month for another update from The Dr. Jane Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference!

It gives us immense pleasure to bring you more good news from The Dr. Jane Foundation! Here, we sing the praises of one of our 2016 recipients, Florida-based Elinore’s Dream, Inc. Headquartered in Ft. Pierce, this dedicated animal-welfare group has made significant inroads towards ending the cycle of feline overpopulation in their local South Florida area.

This no-kill non-profit seeks to humanely reduce cat overpopulation through a multi-tiered strategy: the provision of spay-and-neuter services for homeless cats; placing adoptable kitties in forever homes; education of their local community on the necessity of preventative care; and advocacy on behalf of humane public policy as it pertains to non-lethal caretaking of feral cat populations.

Feline overpopulation has proven extensive in the Ft. Pierce area. Well over a third of the people live below the poverty line, which is a significant contributing factor in animal abandonment.

The volunteers of Elinore’s Dream care for feral felines who have been relegated to the outskirts. Through a program dubbed ‘Operation CatSnip’, aid providers use TNR, a method where felines are trapped without injury, neutered or spayed, and then released so that they may return to their feral group.

Any adults and kittens determined to be good candidates for adoption are temporarily placed with a fosterer until matched with a perfect forever home. Rescued felines learn to live indoors (a big change for some), where they are allowed to roam freely and socialize with people every day.

In operation for only six years, the number of cats this group has sterilized has increased exponentially every year, as has their number of successful adoptions. Amazingly, given the small size of their venture, over the years they have spayed and neutered over 1,700 felines! As you can imagine, that translates into far fewer feral cats with dire needs.

With our grant, they were able to continue their program to spay/neuter feral cats, making it possible to cover veterinary costs for 50 cats from low-income areas of Ft. Pierce. In addition to spay-and-neuter procedures, the treated felines received all needed vaccines at the time of surgery. Of course, medical issues, such as abscesses and infections, were also addressed.

According to Elinore’s Dream Treasurer Sande McKey, “We are very grateful to The Dr. Jane Foundation for their help with our feline welfare efforts. They don’t talk, but the cats are very grateful, too.”

To learn more about the adoptable cats available from this remarkable group, visit adoptapet.com/elinoresdream today. For any South Florida residents, this rescue encourages interested adopters to contact them immediately, as well as anyone interested in becoming a foster parent.

As the charitable arm of Life’s Abundance, The Dr. Jane Foundation provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups who work to prevent animal homelessness, abuse and chronic neglect. Every time you purchase a Life's Abundance product, a small donation is made to the Foundation’s operating fund.

And there’s more good news … we are now accepting applications for 2016 funding. If you know of an animal rescue organization that deserves special recognition and financial support, please encourage them to fill out an application.

Check back next month for more good news from The Dr. Jane Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference!

This month, we’d like to highlight another financial award given by The Dr. Jane Foundation, this time to MeoowzResQ, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue of cats and kittens in Southern California. What began as a personal experience rescuing and caring for abandoned kittens, quickly became the established rescue organization we honor here today.

A small, tightly knit organization, their focus is on saving felines from euthanasia at high-kill shelters, while also taking in stray, abandoned and surrendered cats. Over the years they’ve created a thriving network of caring individuals working in tandem to save as many cats as possible, placing them in loving, permanent homes. Astonishingly, MeoowzResQ saves more than 2,000 felines every year! In their many years of dedicated service to their community, more than 15,000 cats and kittens have been saved. Incredible!

MeoowzResQ operates based on a three-part mission statement: (1) to rescue and rehabilitate abused, abandoned and neglected cats and kittens and provide temporary homes; (2) to facilitate adoptions to safe, loving, permanent homes; and (3) to help reduce pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs.

Their workers embody the very spirit of can-do rescue attitude. Taking the long view in what amounts to one crisis situation after another is challenging, but it’s exactly what this committed rescue has done. Feline overpopulation isn’t a problem that can be solved in a day. But, with grit and determination, they are making significant progress!

Their rescues come from all manner of bad situations, such as devastating fires, abandoned at airlines along with luggage, stowaways on big rigs during interstate travels, as well as more typical abandonments. All too often, litters of kittens are simply left in boxes on the roadside. Many of these can’t be cared for by the local animal control, whereupon MeoowzResQ swoops in and saves the day.

Their kittens are handraised in foster homes, and many of those enter the rescue as bottle-fed babies. These kittens grow into sweet and people-oriented cats thanks to the amazing foster care they receive from pet parents who are dedicated to raising and finding good homes for these abused, injured and abandoned cats.

They routinely hold feline adoption events in numerous cities, and operate an extensive foster network spanning even more locations throughout Southern California. All of their adoptable kittens and cats have been spayed or neutered, dewormed, treated for fleas and have received all necessary vaccinations.

The funds supplied by The Dr. Jane Foundation went towards covering medical expenses associated with the care of their rescues. In a statement from the group, they conveyed their immense thanks to our foundation's grant. "Because of your kindness and others like you, we can continue our life-saving work. Due to your kindness more lives can be saved."

Here are just some of the felines who’ve had the good fortune to be rescued by MeoowzResQ, all of whom are currently available for adoption …

Miss Kitty (born 2009)

Miss Kitty is a regal, seven-year-old, spayed female. Further, she's a Shaded Gray Persian with a gorgeous coat. Miss Kitty is blind and has high-blood pressure, which means that she will be best suited for a calm and serene home where she can learn her environment and move about without stress. Her high blood pressure is a condition that is easily managed with inexpensive medication, but it's a treatment she'll always need. The medication is only one dose per day, sprinkled over food. Miss Kitty recently had surgery to address an injury and had to have two of her back toes partially amputated. Despite her lack of vision and the prior injury, she has no problem moving about and simply loves to be doted upon! She gets along well with both other cats and gentle dogs. She would be best suited for a home with adults only, or a family with older, mature teens.

Mavis (born 2015)

Mavis is a seven-month-old female tabby. A Domestic Short Hair with a super-soft coat, she's sweet, playful and gets along well with other cats. Mavis loves to cuddle, burrow and play with toys. She's equally mild-mannered and loving towards both people and other felines, and is described as an "angel" by her caretakers.

Aramis (born June, 2015)

Aramis is pretty shy and skittish when he isn't with his mom, Marie Antoinette (see below). Together, they enjoy taking in the scenic views, playing and sleeping. Aramis can be a crafty little kitten, as he can find his way into cabinets and even under covers! He loves to chase laser dots, climb cat trees, run amok through the house, and finally curl up in his favorite chair when exhausted. Full of personality, Aramis is ready to meet his new, lifelong companion!

Marie Antoinette (born May, 2014)

This petite gal grew up fast, as she had three tiny ginger babies at the tender age of one. Only two years old, she's still kittenish in her play. Marie Antoinette is highly dignified, always polite and her coat is remarkably soft and fluffy. She loves to idle hours sitting quietly and gazing out the window (Aramis obviously inherited this curiosity). She's even fond of sitting innocently on open laptops. Her best friend in the world is her son, and they would love to be adopted by the same guardian and stay together.

To learn more about these and other adoptable cats, or to find out more about this amazing group, visit MeoowzResQ.org today. For any residents of Orange or Riverside County, CA, this rescue encourages interested adopters to contact them right away, as they have many available kitties.

The motto for the group is, "Saving one cat may not change the world, but it will change the world for one cat." In light of their outstanding work on behalf of so many felines in Southern California over the years, one can easily make the case that they're ACTUALLY making the world a better place.

As the charitable arm of Life’s Abundance, The Dr. Jane Foundation provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups who work to prevent animal homelessness, abuse and chronic neglect. Every time you purchase a Life's Abundance product, a small donation is made to the Foundation’s operating fund.

And there’s more good news … we are now accepting applications for 2016 funding. If you know of an animal rescue organization that deserves special recognition and financial support, please encourage them to fill out an application.

Check back next month for more good news from The Dr. Jane Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference!

It is our great pleasure to tell our readers about one of the latest recipients of financial aid from The Dr. Jane Foundation. This month’s featured award winner is a dedicated group of rescuers committed to improving the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected senior dogs in Ohio.

Founded in 2000, The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs is a non-profit group with a commendable mission … to improve the quality of life of older canines. Unfortunately, the number of people open to adopting older dogs (ages seven and up) pales in comparison to those seeking youthful pups.

With a small staff and core set of daily volunteers, the group also manages a network of 70 additional volunteers who do everything from fostering to fundraising and everything in between.

Sanctuary has no restrictions when it comes to breed, all are welcome. Most of their dogs come from nearby animal shelters in and around Cleveland, where they’re passed over for adoption again and again.

When the non-profit first formed, senior dogs rarely made it out of local shelters. Very few resources were dedicated solely to elder canines or their needs. But now, thanks to Sanctuary’s tireless advocacy, people are increasingly open to the idea of adopting an older animal.

In addition to their rescue efforts, the group also operates a therapy dog program. They visit nursing homes, group homes, activity centers for developmentally disabled people, schools and colleges during finals week, and much more.

Eventually, they hope to build an urban sanctuary that brings together senior citizens and senior dogs. As part of the center, they will offer volunteer services, such as assistance with walking, shopping and other activities associated with caring for senior dogs.

One of their most impressive undertakings is their hospice program, Forever Foster. Canines who will never be adopted because they are too old, too scarred from mental and physical abuse, or suffer from serious health complications (including terminal diseases) are provided care for the remainder of their lives. These desperate cases, commonly referred to as “leftover” dogs, have increasingly become a focus for the group’s energies.

The Sanctuary depends on sponsorships to help offset the costs of long-term care for these dogs. One such senior is Mason, a 10-year-old Pomeranian mix.

When Sanctuary located Mason, he was living in an inner-city pound. Prior to that, he had been surviving by his wits, alone on the streets of Cleveland. He was very afraid and had obvious medical issues. His vision was very poor, but his friendly personality was clear to see.

After being taken into care, Mason lost what little vision he had left. Veterinarians discovered a growth on one of his legs that was hindering his mobility, and that he was suffering from congestive heart failure. Thankfully, the surgery to remove his tumor was successful. However, given his blindness and tenuous medical condition, he's been accepted into the Sanctuary's hospice care program.

Mason making the most of life thanks to The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs.

Mason has adjusted well to his new surroundings. Thanks to the program, he will always have access to excellent medical care. According to Deborah Workman, Executive Director for Sanctuary, they will also be sure he has "more love than he knows what to do with". She added, "his resilience is an inspiration to everyone who meets him".

When it came time to vote on this funding application, the Foundation’s board was unanimously supportive. Board Director, Dave Mattox said, “As opposed to puppies in shelters, many senior dogs have lived in a home before. Losing a caretaker and then being placed in a rescue can be a terrible shock, and due to their age, it just goes on and on … for months, maybe even years. They desperately want to be back in a familiar environment. When you adopt an older dog, they are almost universally very loving and exceedingly grateful.” He added, “What Sanctuary does, it’s incredibly vital work.”

In response to the award, Workman said, "Thank you from all of us here at the Sanctuary for Senior Dogs for your help in our life-saving work, but most especially, thanks from Mason."

If you or someone you know would be interested in adopting a senior dog in Ohio, we strongly encourage you to visit The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs (sanctuaryforseniordogs.org). You never know … you could end up finding your new best friend!

As the charitable arm of Life’s Abundance, The Dr. Jane Foundation provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups who work to prevent animal homelessness, abuse and chronic neglect. Every time you purchase a Life's Abundance product, a small donation is made to the Foundation’s operating fund.

And there’s more good news … we are now accepting applications for 2016 funding. If you know of an animal rescue organization that deserves special recognition and financial support, please encourage them to fill out an application

Check back next month for more good news from The Dr. Jane Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference!

Charitable work is core to our mission of well-being for all. It’s so important to us that every order placed aids homeless animals. This work is done through the non-profit branch of Life’s Abundance, The Dr. Jane Foundation, which provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups who work to prevent animal homelessness, abuse and chronic neglect.

We made this commitment because we understand the need, which is so big, it’s almost hard to comprehend. But, like with all great endeavors, progress is made by focusing on the next task, taking it day by day.

In an era where so many shelters self-identify as “no kill”, it’s shocking to learn that euthanasia is still responsible for the deaths of nearly three million dogs and cats every year. And with between five and seven million entering shelters every year, it’s a percentage that’s way too high. That being said, in 1970, the number of dogs and cats being euthanized was north of 20 million, even though the total pet population was about half what it is today. Obviously, there’s still a lot of work left to do. But it’s incredibly worthwhile work … work that we earnestly, wholeheartedly support.

People involved in rescuing homeless, abused and neglected animals will tell you ... sometimes, their work comes down to doing the best you can when confronted by road blocks on all sides. And so many of the hardships these small non-profits encounter are linked, directly or indirectly, to a chronic lack of funding.

That’s why we dedicate a portion of our profits to our non-profit’s funding reserves. Since 2007, we’ve awarded funding to more than 100 deserving groups!

The rescue groups we support employ strategies that we know are effective. Most of our grant recipients utilize one or more programs that have proven successful in curbing pet overpopulation and reducing the number of pet kids euthanized. These initiatives include low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, TNR (trap-neuter-return) management of feral cat communities, affordable adoption fees, and community education efforts regarding the proper care of companion animals and the dangers of animal abuse and neglect. And all of this is done in addition to the day-to-day activities undertaken by these committed rescuers to place their animals in loving adoptive homes.

Time and time again, we’ve witnessed amazing transformations. Animals who have borne the brunt of cruelty or long-term neglect and yet, still were able to rise above circumstance and make full recoveries. Every new group brings its own stories of triumph in the face of adversity. With so many grant recipients, it’s hard to calculate the exact number of animals helped by our non-profit … but it’s easily in the hundreds, if not thousands!

One of the many animals helped by our non-profit, Faith was rescued by SW Collie Rescue. Our 2015 award helped restore her to health after a harrowing abandonment in the middle of the desert.

Just think, simply by shopping with Life’s Abundance, you’re making the world a better place. It’s a rare case where you can do something positive without doing anything different at all. As long as you keep purchasing Life’s Abundance products, you’ll be supporting the cause of rescue. So, while you're focused on your health, the well-being of your family, caring for your own companion animals ... while you're doing all that, you're also making life better for homeless animals and giving a helping hand to the people who operate on the front lines.

And we’ve saved the best news for last. Our Board of Directors just held a quarterly meeting in mid-February, approving grants to the following seven worthy recipients …

In the coming months, we will reveal just what these non-profits are able to accomplish with our funding. However much they are able to achieve will be in no small part thanks to all the supporters of The Dr. Jane Foundation.

Are you involved in an animal rescue, or know someone who is? We are currently accepting applications for 2016 funding. Our Board will be considering applications for the next round of funding in April, so try to have completed grant requests submitted by the end of March for immediate consideration.

Check back next month for another update from The Dr. Jane Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference!

It is our great pleasure to tell our readers about one of the latest recipients of financial aid from The Dr. Jane Foundation. This month’s featured beneficiary is a committed group of rescuers dedicated to improving the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected dogs in Florida.

Founded in 2008, Poodle and Pooch Rescue is a non-profit group with a very specific mission … to rescue as many “leftover” dogs as is possible. Such canines earn the moniker for being too old, too infirm, or possibly both, to attract adopters. Nearly all of their dogs come from local animal control agencies in and around Orlando, where they’ve languished in need of extra-special attention. Once the group identifies such a creature, they set their sights and do not stop until the animal can be taken into their care. More...

The holidays are very nearly upon us. As I sit here, writing this post, I can’t help but feel this year has flown past even faster than last year. Like many of you, I’m experiencing the flurry of activity that comes with the close of another year. Things certainly are hopping here at my farm, with all of my chickens, cats, my horse, even my new pygmy goat! As fleeting and precious as time is during the holidays, I consider your reading this holiday message right now an honor and a privilege.

This year, we’ve enjoyed significant growth, largely thanks to your amazing customer loyalty. With exciting new products on the horizon, we feel confident that you will love us even more! In spite of our company’s relatively small size, more and more consumers consider us a leading purveyor of health and wellness products, both for companion animals and their pet parents. You can be assured that all of us here at Life’s Abundance are working very hard to ensure that our best days are ahead of us. We have every reason to believe that 2016 will be a stellar year for all of us.

Thanks to the hard work of our Field Representatives, the loyalty of everyone who regularly shops at Life’s Abundance, and all of those generous enough to make periodic contributions, our non-profit (The Dr. Jane Foundation) continues to thrive, helping animals in need by supporting small and medium-size rescue organizations across the nation. In 2015, we awarded more than a dozen rescues grants upwards of $20,000. We could not have done any of that if it weren’t for you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of you.

We have expanded our pet product line to include more health promoting products, like our premium grain-free foods for dogs and cats. Rest assured, we will continue to develop our line and hone existing formulas, all to give your pet kids the best possible life.

On behalf of all the employees of Life’s Abundance, we wish every Field Representative, customer and blog visitor the happiest, healthiest and most prosperous year yet.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals,

We’re pleased to announce one of the latest recipients of financial aid from The Dr. Jane Foundation. This month’s featured beneficiary is a committed group of rescuers dedicated to improving the lives of abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats in New Jersey and surrounding areas.

New Jersey Aid for Animals, Inc., is a no-kill animal protection charity striving to end the suffering of animals through advocacy, fostering and adoption. In continuous operation for over a decade, this committed non-profit group has fought to improve the lives of dogs, cats and other domestic animals in New Jersey. Without state or municipal financial assistance, they rely on individual gifts, community events and private foundation support to cover the costs of day-to-day operations.

This rescue has made a phenomenal difference in the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats. At any given time, they have the capacity to accommodate nine dogs at a time and approximately a dozen cats. Because they are small, they can devote all necessary resources to each creature in need.

NJAFA envisions a not-too-distant future absent animal cruelty. Their stated mission is no less than to “enrich the life of every animal we touch, provide programs for domestic animals on wellness, humane education, spay and neuter with a focus on impoverished communities; and to report abuse and pursue justice for abused animals”.

Their day-to-day activities are many and varied. Whenever they encounter animal abuse, they report it. They follow such cases and work to prosecute animal abuses. Of course, their primary efforts include rescuing and aiding abused and abandoned animals. NJAFA works diligently to keep families together by providing affordable veterinary care to low-income communities. But that’s not all, they also educate pet parents on all kinds of companion animal care, including the importance of curbing pet overpopulation. As you can see, no task is too small, or too big, for this determined organization.

New Jersey Aid for Animals has big plans for their financial award. Funds have been allocated to a low-cost veterinary care clinic scheduled for next spring, benefitting low-income families in the Camden City area. Participants will qualify for highly reduced rates for common veterinary procedures. Our donation will specifically make possible flea treatments and necessary vaccines for the low cost of $10 per companion animal. As this group has witnessed firsthand, providing affordable medical care for the fur kids of impoverished households can mean the difference between keeping animals at home with their pet parents and painful, unwanted abandonments.

Additionally, remaining funds not allocated to next spring’s event were used to cover flea treatments for a group of cats who were recently rescued from a hoarding situation. The infestation was so severe that rescuers worried some of the felines might die. However, thanks to our award, these kitties are now flea-free!

Thanks to this group’s diligent work and top-notch planning, the Board’s choice to support this application with a sizable donation was a straightforward, happy one.

Some of NJAFA’s happily adopted animals.

If you or someone you know would be interested in adopting a rescue animal in or near Camden, we encourage you to stop by New Jersey Aid for Animals (njafa.org). You never know … you could end up finding your new best friend!

As the charitable arm of Life’s Abundance, The Dr. Jane Foundation provides financial support to small and medium-size rescue groups who work to prevent animal homelessness, abuse and chronic neglect. Every time someone purchases a Life's Abundance product, a portion of the profits are contributed to the Foundation’s operating fund.

And there’s more good news … we are still accepting applications for funding. If you know of an animal rescue organization that deserves special recognition and financial support, please encourage them tofill out an application.

Check back next month for more good news from The Dr. Jane Foundation. Together, we’re making a difference!